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The DEC continues to raise money for the 12 million people in East Africa suffering through the worst drought in 60 years which has resulted in a famine in parts of south Somalia.

Through the great generosity of the UK public the DEC East Africa Crisis Appeal has now raised £45 million. Part of this total represents a new milestone of more than £1 million raised from text donations sent from mobile phones, a 500% rise, signalling a stronger appetite to give to good causes in a new way.

Every donation the public gives makes a difference to the lives at risk in East Africa, and one donation we’d like to highlight was given anonymously.

A benefactor offered several thousand pounds that he had been saving for a dream holiday to Disneyland and Graceland. In the accompanying note he said: “I am by no means rich, but sometimes you have to think of others and get things in the right perspective. People should not starve, especially children.”

We were left speechless over the sheer kindness of this donation and we thought we’d share that with you and say a big thank you to the family who sent it in.

The donations coming in are a clear sign the UK public want more done to avert the growing crisis and stop the spread of famine in Somalia.

DEC Chief Executive Brendan Gormley praised the generosity of the public saying: ‘To raise £45 million in just over three weeks is a wonderful demonstration of public concern for those in need.

‘We can’t lose sight of the fact, however, that this is an escalating crisis. It is now for the UN to act and for governments worldwide to dig deep to alleviate the suffering.

‘The UN appeal for countries covered by the DEC appeal, including South Sudan, stand at just over $3bn. Less than half that has been met.'

‘Meanwhile, the crisis is escalating with the UN declaring three more regions in Somalia to be suffering from famine, and expressing fears the crisis may also spread to northern Uganda, where more than half a million people already face food insecurity.’

ABOUT DEC
The Disasters Emergency Committee brings together 14 leading UK aid agencies to raise money at times of humanitarian crisis in poorer countries. By working together we can raise more money to save lives and rebuild shattered communities.